Dev Swarm Code Review

AI Builder - Code Review

This skill performs comprehensive code review and quality audits. As a Senior Code Reviewer expert, you'll examine implementations against design specifications, identify issues, suggest improvements, and create backlogs for necessary changes, bug fixes, or optimizations.

When to Use This Skill

• User asks to review code for a backlog
• User requests code audit or quality check
• Developer completes implementation and needs review
• User wants to verify code meets design specifications
• User asks to review feature implementation
• After code development phase, before testing

Prerequisites

This skill requires:

• Completed code implementation
• 04-prd/ - Product Requirements Document (business requirements and acceptance criteria)
• 07-tech-specs/ - Engineering standards and constraints
• features/ folder with feature design and implementation docs
• 09-sprints/ folder with backlog that was implemented
• src/ folder (organized as defined in source-code-structure.md)
• Access to source code files

Feature-Driven Code Review Workflow

CRITICAL: This skill follows a strict feature-driven approach where feature-name is the index for the entire project:

For Each Backlog:

1. Read backlog.md from 09-sprints/SPRINT-XX-descriptive-name/[BACKLOG_TYPE]-XX-[feature-name]-<sub-feature>.md
2. Extract the feature-name from the backlog file name
3. Read features/features-index.md to find the feature file
4. Read feature documentation in this order:
   • features/[feature-name].md - Feature definition (WHAT/WHY/SCOPE)
   • features/flows/[feature-name].md - User flows and process flows (if exists)
   • features/contracts/[feature-name].md - API/data contracts (if exists)
   • features/impl/[feature-name].md - Implementation notes (if exists)
5. Locate source code in src/ using features/impl/[feature-name].md
6. Review code against design specs and coding standards
7. Update backlog.md with review findings

This approach ensures AI reviewers can review large projects without reading all code at once.

Your Roles in This Skill

See dev-swarm/docs/general-dev-stage-rule.md for role selection guidance.

Role Communication

See dev-swarm/docs/general-dev-stage-rule.md for the required role announcement format.

Review Workflow Overview

The code review process:

1. Read backlog requirements and feature design
2. Read implementation documentation
3. Review actual source code files
4. Verify code meets design and requirements
5. Identify issues and improvements
6. Create new backlogs (change/bug/improve) as needed
7. Provide review feedback to developer

Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 0: Verify Prerequisites and Gather Context (Feature-Driven Approach)

IMPORTANT: Follow this exact order to efficiently locate all relevant context:

1. Identify the backlog to review:

   • User specifies which backlog to review
   • Or review latest completed backlog from sprint

   09-sprints/
   └── SPRINT-XX-descriptive-name/
       └── [BACKLOG_TYPE]-XX-[feature-name]-<sub-feature>.md
   

   • Locate the sprint README at 09-sprints/SPRINT-XX-descriptive-name/README.md for required progress log updates

2. Read the backlog file:

   • Understand original task requirements
   • Note acceptance criteria
   • Extract the feature-name from the file name (CRITICAL)
   • Verify Feature Name in backlog metadata matches the file name
   • If they do not match, stop and ask the user to confirm the correct feature name
   • Review test plan expectations
   • Identify backlog type (FEATURE/CHANGE/BUG/IMPROVE)

3. Read coding standards:

   • Understand code style requirements and conventions
   • Read dev-swarm/docs/source-code-structure.md for general guidelines
   • Understand expected code organization

4. Read PRD and tech specs:

   • Read 04-prd/ (all markdown files) - Product requirements and acceptance criteria for the feature
   • Read 07-tech-specs/ (all markdown files) - Technical specifications and engineering standards
   • Understand the business context and technical constraints

5. Read feature documentation (using feature-name as index):

   • Read features/features-index.md to confirm feature exists
   • Read features/[feature-name].md - Feature definition (intended behavior)
   • Read features/flows/[feature-name].md - User flows (review against these)
   • Read features/contracts/[feature-name].md - API contracts (verify implementation)
   • Read features/impl/[feature-name].md - Implementation notes (what was built)

6. Locate source code:

   • Use features/impl/[feature-name].md to find code locations
   • Navigate to src/[feature-name]/ directory
   • List all files mentioned in implementation docs
   • Identify files to review

7. Prepare for deep dive:

   • Note areas requiring special attention (security, performance)
   • Consider dependencies and integration points
   • Review development notes from backlog.md

DO NOT read the entire codebase. Use feature-name to find only relevant files.

Step 1: Review Code Implementation

Systematically review the code:

1. Read all modified/created files:

   • Read complete files, not just snippets
   • Understand full context of changes
   • Note dependencies and integrations

2. Verify against design:

   • Does code match the feature design?
   • Are all design decisions implemented correctly?
   • Any deviations from approved approach?

3. Check against requirements:

   • Does code meet backlog acceptance criteria?
   • Are all requirements addressed?
   • Is test plan implementable with this code?

Step 2: Code Quality Assessment

Evaluate code across multiple dimensions:

1. Correctness

• Does code do what it's supposed to do?
• Are there any logic errors?
• Edge cases handled properly?
• Null/undefined checks where needed?

2. Security

Review for OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities:

• Injection: SQL injection, command injection, XSS
• Authentication: Proper auth/session management
• Data Exposure: Sensitive data protection
• Access Control: Proper authorization checks
• Security Misconfiguration: Secure defaults
• XSS: Cross-site scripting prevention
• Insecure Deserialization: Safe data handling
• Known Vulnerabilities: Outdated dependencies
• Logging: No secrets in logs
• CSRF: Cross-site request forgery protection

3. Code Quality

• Readability: Clear variable names, self-documenting
• Modularity: Functions/components focused and small
• DRY: No unnecessary duplication
• Consistency: Matches existing code style
• Simplicity: Not over-engineered
• Error Handling: Appropriate for context

4. Architecture

• Follows established patterns?
• Proper separation of concerns?
• Appropriate abstractions?
• Integration with existing system?
• Scalability considerations?

5. Performance

• Inefficient algorithms or queries?
• N+1 query problems?
• Memory leaks potential?
• Unnecessary computations?
• Caching opportunities?

6. Maintainability

• Code is understandable?
• Future changes will be easy?
• Appropriate comments (where needed)?
• No magic numbers or hardcoded values?
• Clear function/component responsibilities?

7. Testing

• Code is testable?
• Test plan can be executed?
• Edge cases considered?
• Error scenarios handled?

Step 3: Identify Issues and Improvements

Categorize findings into three types:

1. Changes (Code doesn't meet design)

Issues where implementation doesn't match design or requirements:

• Missing functionality from design
• Incorrect interpretation of requirements
• Design decisions not followed
• Acceptance criteria not met

Action: Create change type backlog

2. Bugs (Defects in code)

Errors that will cause problems:

• Logic errors
• Security vulnerabilities (critical)
• Null pointer exceptions
• Race conditions
• Memory leaks
• Data corruption risks
• Breaking changes

Action: Create bug type backlog

3. Improvements (Optimization opportunities)

Non-critical enhancements:

• Performance optimizations
• Code readability improvements
• Better error messages
• Refactoring opportunities
• Documentation additions
• Test coverage improvements
• Technical debt reduction

Action: Create improve type backlog

Step 4: Create Backlogs for Issues

For each issue found, create a backlog:

1. Determine severity:

   • Critical: Security issues, data loss, system crashes
   • High: Missing requirements, major bugs
   • Medium: Performance issues, code quality
   • Low: Minor improvements, refactoring

2. Create backlog file in 09-sprints/:

   Backlog Template:

   # Backlog: [Type] - [Brief Description]
   
   ## Type
   [change | bug | improve]
   
   ## Severity
   [critical | high | medium | low]
   
   ## Original Feature/Backlog
   Reference to original backlog that was reviewed
   
   ## Issue Description
   Clear description of what's wrong or needs improvement
   
   ## Current Behavior
   What the code currently does
   
   ## Expected Behavior
   What the code should do
   
   ## Affected Files
   - List of files with issues
   - Include file paths and function names
   
   ## Suggested Fix
   How to address this issue
   
   ## Reference Features
   Related features to consult
   
   ## Test Plan
   How to verify the fix works
   

3. Notify Project Management:

   • New backlogs need to be prioritized
   • Critical bugs should be addressed immediately
   • Changes should be scheduled based on impact
   • Improvements can be batched

Step 5: Provide Review Feedback

1. Summary of findings:

   • Total issues found
   • Breakdown by type (change/bug/improve)
   • Critical items highlighted

2. Positive feedback:

   • What was done well
   • Good practices observed
   • Strengths in implementation

3. Areas for improvement:

   • General patterns to watch
   • Suggestions for developer
   • Learning opportunities

4. Review decision:

   • Approved: Code is good, ready for testing
   • Approved with minor comments: Non-critical improvements noted
   • Changes required: Critical issues must be fixed
   • Rejected: Major redesign needed

Step 6: Update Backlog with Code Review Results

CRITICAL: Update the backlog.md file to track code review progress:

1. Update backlog status:

   • Change status from "In Code Review" to "In Testing" (if approved)
   • Or change to "In Development" (if changes required)
   • Add a "Code Review Notes" section if not present

2. Document code review findings:

   • Review Summary: Overall assessment of code quality
   • Review Decision: Approved, Approved with comments, Changes required, or Rejected
   • Issues Found: Count of CHANGE/BUG/IMPROVE backlogs created
   • Security Assessment: Security vulnerabilities found (if any)
   • Code Quality Score: Rating based on quality dimensions
   • Positive Highlights: What was done well
   • Areas for Improvement: General suggestions for developer
   • Related Backlogs: Link to created CHANGE/BUG/IMPROVE backlogs

3. Update feature documentation:

   • Update features/impl/[feature-name].md with review findings
   • Note any important discoveries or patterns
   • Document known limitations identified
   • Add review insights for future reference

4. Notify user:

   • Summarize code review results
   • Report approval/rejection status
   • List critical issues found
   • Recommend next steps (fix issues, proceed to testing, etc.)

5. Update sprint README (README.md) (CRITICAL):

   • Update backlog status in the sprint backlog table
   • Append a log entry in the sprint progress log for the Code Review step

These backlog.md and sprint README updates create the audit trail showing code review was completed and results.

Expected Workflow

Code Development Complete
         ↓
Code Review Skill Activated
         ↓
Read: Backlog + Feature Design + Impl Docs
         ↓
Review: All Code Files
         ↓
Assess: Quality, Security, Performance
         ↓
Create Backlogs:
  - Change (doesn't meet design)
  - Bug (defects found)
  - Improve (optimization opportunities)
         ↓
Provide Review Feedback
         ↓
If Approved → Testing
If Changes Required → Back to Development

Integration with Other Skills

From Code Development Skill:

• Receives completed implementation
• Gets implementation documentation
• Reviews code against design

To Project Management Skill:

• Creates new backlogs (change/bug/improve)
• Reports issues needing prioritization
• Requests scheduling of fixes

To Code Development Skill:

• Sends change/bug backlogs for fixes
• Provides detailed feedback
• Clarifies requirements

To Code Test Skill:

• Approves code for testing (if no critical issues)
• Notes areas needing special test attention
• Shares quality assessment

Review Checklists

Security Checklist

• No SQL injection vulnerabilities
• No command injection vulnerabilities
• No XSS vulnerabilities
• Proper input validation
• Secure authentication/authorization
• Sensitive data encrypted
• No secrets in code or logs
• CSRF protection where needed
• Secure session management
• Dependencies are up to date

Code Quality Checklist

• Follows project coding standards
• Functions are small and focused
• Variables have clear names
• No magic numbers or hardcoded values
• Proper error handling
• Code is DRY (Don't Repeat Yourself)
• Appropriate comments (where needed)
• No commented-out code
• No console.log or debug statements

Architecture Checklist

• Follows established patterns
• Proper separation of concerns
• Appropriate abstractions
• Integrates cleanly with existing code
• Scalable approach
• No tight coupling
• Dependencies are appropriate

Testing Checklist

• Code is testable
• Edge cases considered
• Error scenarios handled
• Test plan is executable
• Acceptance criteria can be verified

Best Practices for Code Review

1. Be Constructive, Not Critical

• Focus on code, not coder
• Explain "why" for each suggestion
• Offer solutions, not just problems
• Acknowledge good work

2. Prioritize Issues

• Security issues are always critical
• Distinguish must-fix from nice-to-have
• Don't block on minor style issues
• Focus on what matters most

3. Understand Context

• Read design before judging code
• Consider constraints developer faced
• Don't suggest over-engineering
• Respect intentional simplicity

4. Be Thorough But Efficient

• Review all changed files completely
• Use implementation docs to guide review
• Don't get lost in unrelated code
• Focus on what changed and why

5. Create Actionable Backlogs

• Be specific about issues
• Provide clear reproduction steps
• Suggest concrete fixes
• Include test plans

6. Maintain Knowledge Base

• Update impl docs with discoveries
• Note patterns to avoid
• Document good practices found
• Improve features documentation

Common Review Scenarios

Scenario 1: Feature Implementation Review

1. Read backlog: "User can upload profile picture"
2. Read features/profile-upload.md: Understand design
3. Read features/impl/profile-upload.md: Find changed files
4. Review src/api/upload.ts: Check implementation
5. Find issue: No file size validation (security risk)
6. Create bug backlog: "Add file size validation to upload"
7. Find improvement: Could use image compression
8. Create improve backlog: "Add image compression to upload"
9. Provide feedback: "Approved with changes required (bug fix needed)"

Scenario 2: Bug Fix Review

1. Read backlog: "Fix login error for special characters"
2. Read features/user-authentication.md: Understand auth system
3. Review src/auth/validator.ts: Check fix
4. Verify: Fix properly escapes special characters
5. Check: No new vulnerabilities introduced
6. Test: Can verify with test plan
7. Provide feedback: "Approved - ready for testing"

Scenario 3: Performance Improvement Review

1. Read backlog: "Optimize dashboard API response time"
2. Read features/dashboard-api.md: Understand optimization approach
3. Review src/api/dashboard.ts: Check caching implementation
4. Find issue: Cache invalidation logic missing
5. Create change backlog: "Add cache invalidation to dashboard"
6. Find opportunity: Could optimize database query further
7. Create improve backlog: "Optimize dashboard query with indexes"
8. Provide feedback: "Changes required (cache invalidation needed)"

Key Principles

1. Thoroughness: Review all code, don't skim
2. Context Awareness: Understand design before judging
3. Security First: Security issues are always priority
4. Constructive: Help developer improve, don't just criticize
5. Actionable: Create clear, specific backlogs
6. Efficiency: Use impl docs to guide review
7. Standards: Enforce coding standards consistently
8. Learning: Share knowledge through feedback

Deliverables

By the end of using this skill, you should have:

• Comprehensive code review completed
• All security vulnerabilities identified
• Change backlogs for requirement mismatches
• Bug backlogs for defects found
• Improve backlogs for optimization opportunities
• Detailed review feedback for developer
• Updated implementation documentation
• Clear review decision (approved/changes required/rejected)
• Prioritized backlog list for project management